The packet

Packet The
A Quarterly
Publication
In This Issue:
MLC NEWS
LIBRARY NEWS
CALENDAR
2014
January/February/March Newsletter of the Mississippi Library Commission Volume 43 No. 1
On January 17, 2014, the Mississippi Library
Leadership Institute (MLLI) graduated its first class
and the next generation of library leaders in the
state of Mississippi. The twenty-six participants
represented twenty-one diferent institutions
from across the state including K-12 schools,
public libraries, community colleges, private
colleges, four-year universities, archives, and
state agencies.
MLLI is an intensive,
in-residence leadership
training program for
Mississippi librarians.
It consists of an
individual orientation
session with a mentor
and four three-day
retreats over the
course of one year.
The final day of the retreat had arrived and the
first order of business was to finish the remaining
project presentations from the previous day.
Presenter Jan Walker followed with the last
activity for the class and the moment they had
all been waiting for had arrived!
Graduation activities began with the welcoming
and introduction of guests by participants. MLLI
participant and Outreach & Instruction Librarian
and Assistant Professior at the University of
Mississippi Melissa Dennis gave the student
speech. Dennis gave an interesting, yet amusing
overview of the group’s activities and experiences
while in the Institute.
She thanked those responsible for turning the
idea of an institute into reality and shared class
statistics, as well as some comical incidents that
occured during the year.
Dennis stated in her conclusion, “We may leave
the institute today but we will not let the progress
we made get lost in the everyday shufle.”
Next, Dean of Libraries at Delta State
University Jef Slagell took the podium and
gave the keynote address. Slagell thanked the
Mississippi Library Commission for all of the
wonderful services and resources they ofer
all libraries across the state of Mississippi.
He used an exercise with Albert Einstein’s Theory
of Relativity, E=mc2,
to make a point
about relationships.
Slagell stated, “This
emphasizes the
critical importance
of relationships.
Over the course of
20 years of working
in libraries what I
have found to be
the most important,
empowering and
rewarding thing I’ve done is build relationships.”
Slagell also asked, “As this institute comes to a
close, what does this relationship mean to you?
What is the greateast thing you or one of the
greatest things you have gained in participating
in this institute?” Several participants responded
accordingly.
As he closed, he left the participants with these
parting words, “Graduates, your horizon is wide
open and I can’t wait to see the path that you
follow.”
The ceremony culminated with the presentation
of certificates to the next generation of library
leaders.
The Mississippi Library Leadership Institute
is made possible in part by a Laura Bush 21st
Century Librarian Program grant from the U.S.
Institute of Museum and Library Services to the
Mississippi Library Commission.
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE HOLDS FIRST GRADUATION
Pictured are the 2013 MLLI graduates.
Notes . . . from the desk of the Executive Director
March 2014
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a library as: “A place set apart to contain books for reading,
study, or reference” and “A building, room, or set of rooms containing a collection of books for the
use of the public or of some particular portion of it, or of the members of some society or the like;
a public institution or establishment, charged with the care of a collection of books, and the duty or
rendering the books accessible to those who require to use them.” The Oxford American Dictionary
similarly defines a library as: “1) a building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and
sometimes films and recorded music for people to read, borrow, or refer to; 1.1) a collection of books
and periodicals held in a library; 1.2) a collection of films, recorded music, genetic material, etc.,
organized systematically and kept for research or borrowing; 1.3) a series of books, recordings, etc.,
issued by the same company and similar in appearance; 1.4) a room in a private house where books
are kept; and 1.5) (also software library) Computing, a collection of programs and software packages
made generally available, often loaded and stored on disk for immediate use.” These definitions seem
a litle dated!
I find it very distressing that neither of these fine, respected reference books even mentions the
word “community” and barely references “people.” Today’s library is often the hub of the community
and filled with people. People from all walks of life are using libraries today – for a wide variety of
purposes. Certainly, they are using their library to check out books, but they are also coming into
libraries to search for jobs, assistance, and information. A person returning to the workforce may
need guidance in learning how to use a computer, preparing a résumé, and searching for a job;
parents and caregivers are bringing their children in for storytime and reading programs; students
of all ages are seeking literacy programs, and perhaps homework help; people are atending classes
and taking exams online. Library meeting rooms are in constant use; people are atending programs
and seminars hosted by professionals on a vast number of subjects. Many libraries take their services
out into the community. Day care centers and nursing homes often host a storytelling librarian. Quite
often the public computers in our libraries are the only way people in many communities have access
to computers, programs, and the internet. Public access computers, the internet, wireless access, and
now downloadable electronic books; the list goes on.
We must do a beter job of telling our story to our elected leaders about what all a “library” is today –
and all of the services available beyond ”checking out a book.” We know that a library is more than “a
place set apart to contain books” – today’s library is certainly that, but so much more to a wide variety
of people. Libraries may very well once have been simply “a place set apart to contain books” – but
that no longer applies; libraries have been, and continue to be, evolving to meet the needs of our
communities and the people they serve. Maybe our dictionaries need to evolve as well!
Susan
Susan S. Cassagne
Executive Director
Comments and suggestions are welcomed.
Contact us at:
Mississippi Library Commission
3881 Eastwood Drive
Jackson, MS 39211
Fax: 601.432.4486
E-mail: gloriajw@mlc.lib.ms.us
Visit our website at:
www.mlc.lib.ms.us
Toll free number 1.800.MISSLIB
Executive Director Board of Commissioners
Susan S. Cassagne Celia Fisher
Jolee Hussey
Editor Ann Marsh
Gloria J. Washington Pamela Pridgen
Glenda Segars
Susan S. Cassagne
Executive Director
The Packet Page 3
MLC HOLDS ANNUAL STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY
Each year the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) staff gathers in the agency’s meeting room for staff development day. This day in January is set aside to recognize employees’ longevity, welcome new staff and attend staff development programs.
Executive Director Susan Cassagne opened the day’s activities with a greeting to staff and a reading of upcoming MLC activities. Bureau directors gave their reports and staff service recognitions followed. Eleven staff members received certificates and service pins. A Certificate of Service from MLC was presented to Vera Coleman for five years of service. Karolynn Bell, Tracy Carr, Gina Dyess, and Casandra Noel completed 10 plus years. Staff recognized with 15 years of service were Robin Hedrick, Cindy Nugent, and Christy Williams; Connie Jones were recognized for 26 years. Veteran employees Martha Wright and Gloria J. Washington were acknowledged for 37 and 31 years of service respectively. Staff with 10 or more years of service received certificates from MLC and the Governor’s Office along with a service pin that signified the number of service years.
Staff development day activities concluded with lectures by Kathryn Rogers of MEA Cares and Mississippi Tort Claims Board & State Agencies Self-Insured Workers Compensation Trust, Risk Manager, Steve Milner.
Staff members recognized for five plus years of service are back row left to right: Tracy Carr and Gina Dyess; second row: Vera Coleman, Casandra Noel, Christy Williams and Robin Hedrick; first row (l) Cindy Nugent, Karolynn Bell, and Connie Jones. Not pictured are Martha Wright and Gloria J. Washington.
MURRAY RETIRES; ENDS 20 YEARS
OF SERVICE
Margaret Murray, Library Development’s Senior Consultant, decided to put down her mouse and turn off her computer for good at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC). Murray, a Ridgeland resident, gave 20 years of dedicated service to the agency before retiring January 2, 2014.
The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native came to MLC in February 1994 as head of Library Development. During that time, she, along with other library development staff, inplemented the Bill & Melinda Gates project where computers were placed in all public libraries. In addition, she was instrumental in reinstating MLC’s consulting services.
In the later 90’s, Murray began working with Friends of Mississippi Libraries, Inc. and the growth of the Friends chapters in the state increased from 50 to 100+ chapters. She also served on the Board of Friends of Libraries USA (FOLUSA) for six years.
Mississippi Library Commission Executive Director Susan S. Cassagne said, “As an assistant director, and then as library director, I had many occasions to discuss library services with Margaret. She was always knowledgeable and willing to offer assistance whenever I needed it. I did not have the opportunity to work directly with her at MLC; however, I am certain her dedication and contributions to library services in Mississippi will be missed by all. We thank Margaret for her time at MLC and wish her good luck.”
A retirement reception was held at MLC, Thursday, February 27, at 3 p.m. to honor Murray’s work and longevity. On hand to celebrate with Margaret were public libraries, staff, retired staff, state agencies, family and friends.
Margaret Murray will retire, close to family, at the Woodlands Retirement Community #181, in Huntington, West Virginia.
MurrayGENEALOGY PROGRAMMING AND THE PUBLIC
The three-member staff of the Local History and Genealogy Department/Biloxi Public Library/Harrison County Library System continues to provide amazing programs for the public as well as to maintain a reference collection for regional history and genealogy.
Over the past year, the department produced several programming events which both educated and entertained the public. In July, the department produced “Treasures in Grandma’s Attic,” which entertained the audience with surprise items from an old suitcase. The attic items were presented as puzzle pieces linking information from a family’s past. Examples included a family bible, prayer cards, photos with matching baby clothing, broken jewelry, old mailed postcards, newspapers, love letters, and even a 1960’s Beatles concert ticket stub.
In October, “Dearly Departed: The Mourning After” was presented. The presentation included displays and discussions on family research using obituaries, death records, cemetery records, and funeral home resources. As additional historical entertainment, a replica of Mrs. Jefferson Davis’ mourning dress, scrapbooks, and photographs was also displayed.
In addition to programming, assistance with research is also available for patrons. However, with over forty categories of items, most patrons are unaware of what’s available. Therefore, the display cases are changed regularly to showcase the collection.
The upcoming year looks promising for the new calendar of public programming. Staff is already preparing the next series of events which includes Family Fragments: Organizing Your Family History, a workshop presented by the Mississippi Coast Historical and Genealogical Society about family scrapbooking and display boards. The next event, “Aprons: Occupational Cover-up,” will display aprons from all walks of life matched with photos of the services they provide and how the every day routines of their lives shaped Coast history.
LAGNIAPPE - A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA
OPENS AT LIBRARY COMMISSION
“Lagniappe–A Little Something Extra,” an exhibit of watercolor and oil paintings by artist Susan Wellington along with a collection of handcrafted jewelry by artisans Jackie Messer, Martha Scarborough and Laura Tarbutton of The Beach House Studio is set to open in the gallery of the Mississippi Library Commission Tuesday, March 4, and will continue through Wednesday, April 30, 2014. An opening reception is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mississippi Library Commission.
Wellington, born in Sasebo, Japan, has since been a lifelong resident of Mississippi where she received her bachelor’s degree in Education, with a concentration in Art, from Mississippi College. She travels frequently to study under the direction of master artists Roger Dale Brown, Kim English, and Joe Anna Arnett. Mentor and teacher in oil, Bob Tompkins and Laurel Schoolar, teacher in watercolor have helped develop her technique and confidence.
She paints from life, relying on scenes from her travels and Mississippi home for inspiration and subject material. Always looking for ways to show the observer the unique essence and subtle colors that each subject contains, she strives to represent the subject material in ways that evoke an emotional response for the viewer. Her art can be a pathway to both feelings and memories.
Wellington is a member of Women Painters of the Southeast, Mississippi Oil Painters Association, Plein Air Artists of Mississippi, Artists’ Guild of Mississippi, and the Mississippi Watercolor Society.
The Beach House Studio is a cooperative of jewelry artisans who work in various mediums. It began as friends sharing tools, knowledge and ideas and has evolved into a studio full of beautiful, collaborative jewelry. Each artisan brings her own style and expertise to create “one-of-a-kind” jewelry. Items by Scarborough, Tarbutton and Messer will be on display and available for purchase during the two-month exhibit.
The Packet Page 4
Shown are the two authentic tombstones the public used to practice tombstonb rubbings.RECYCLED LIGHTS BENEFIT LIBRARY
This holiday season, the Judge Armstrong Library tried something new, raising funds by collecting and recycling burned out or unwanted Christmas lights. You may ask, “How does that raise money?” Well, it turns out Christmas light strings contain a lot of copper, and scrap metal companies pay premium prices for them. Staff worked with the local Green Alliance since recycling began in Natchez; however, it was later discovered that the local salvage metal company paid more per pound for Christmas lights than almost anything else.
Before Thanksgiving, a promotion was launched through the library’s website and social media. The Green Alliance used some advertising grant money to purchase display ads in the local newspaper. All of which helped get the word out about the fundraiser for the library. It was challenging explaining to the public what the library staff would do with the lights and how recycling them would benefit the library.
The Natchez Democrat ran an article about the project, and it was picked up by USA Today’s State by State page.
Word spread quickly and the response was very encouraging. A large roll-around recycling can was set up in the front foyer. The can was filled five times! Jim Smith from Concordia Metal in Vidalia, Louisiana picked up the full cans and brought back an envelope of cash the same day!
As the holiday season progressed and people began taking lights down, donations rose again. The cut off deadline for accepting dontions had to be extended from January 10 to January 31 and they were received right up to the last day! The final total was $507, which will be used for new children’s books.
Assistant Director of the Judge Armstrong Library Anne White said, “Recycling Christmas lights help keep them out of landfills. This project was such a success, I am certain we will do it again next holiday season, and now that the word is out, I believe it will be even more successful!”
The Packet Page 5
TEEN ZONE OPENS AT WAYNESBORO LIBRARY
The new Teen Zone at the Waynesboro-Wayne County Library is open for business. Students from Jill O’Dom’s Family Dynamics Class at the Wayne County Career and Technical Education Center stopped to “test drive” the new elements at the facility. Those elements include a Wii U, XBox One, Playstation 4, pod seats, swivel chairs, swoop chairs, tractor seats and a custom-built gaming station. Bookshelves full of books for teens are set around the center. A combination of an LSTA grant, one major donation from a library patron, and other combined donations helped to complete the project that took about a year and cost nearly $15,000, according to Library Director Patsy Brewer.
Patrons can sign out controllers and accessories at the front desk, much like a library book, and return them once they are finished playing. Checkers and other games are also available to keep teens entertainined. A television with cable channels available for viewing is another feature of the center. “Hopefully, this will attract middle school and high school students to the library,” Brewer said. “We have programs for children, pre-schoolers, elementary students and adults. We were missing a chance to reach out to the middle school and high school age groups. This will allow us to offer something for them and hopefully expose them to what the library has to offer.”
The PSA, Xbox One, Wii U, cable TV and a huge gumball machine are part of the new furniture/gaming station, all of which is located in the middle of the young adult books.
Pictured with Christmas lights to be recycled are Judge Armstrong Library Assistant Director Anne White and Concordia Metal Representative Jim Smith. Mississippi Library Commission
3881 Eastwood Drive
Jackson, MS 39211
Nonprofit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Jackson, MS
Permit No. 131
This publication is supported in part by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Mississippi Library Commission.
CALENDAR
MARCH 2014
Artists – Susan Wellington; Beach House Studio
6 Workshop – Youth Services Training/SLP – Hernando
10 Workshop – Tech Academy – MLC
12 Workshop – Youth Services Training/SLP – Picayune
14 Workshop – Youth Services Training/SLP – Clinton
18-19 MLC Capitol Exhibit – State Capitol – Jackson
25 Board of Commissioners Meeting – MLC
APRIL 2014
Artists – Susan Wellington; Beach House Studio
2-4 Workshop – Leadership Institute Retreat #1 - Ridgeland
13-19 National Library Week
28 Confederate Memorial Day – State Holiday – Agency Closed
MAY 2014
Artist – Bill Wilson
5-6 National Library Legislative Day - Washington, DC
13 Town Hall Meeting – Laurel
14 Town Hall Meeting – MLC
15 Town Hall Meeting – Tupelo
20 Board of Commissioners Meeting – MLC
26 Memorial Day – State Holiday – Agency Closed
Best Wishes . . .
The Library Commission extends best wishes to the following staff member who recently left the agency: Antoinette Branson.
MLC NEWS

Click tabs to swap between content that is broken into logical sections.

Packet The
A Quarterly
Publication
In This Issue:
MLC NEWS
LIBRARY NEWS
CALENDAR
2014
January/February/March Newsletter of the Mississippi Library Commission Volume 43 No. 1
On January 17, 2014, the Mississippi Library
Leadership Institute (MLLI) graduated its first class
and the next generation of library leaders in the
state of Mississippi. The twenty-six participants
represented twenty-one diferent institutions
from across the state including K-12 schools,
public libraries, community colleges, private
colleges, four-year universities, archives, and
state agencies.
MLLI is an intensive,
in-residence leadership
training program for
Mississippi librarians.
It consists of an
individual orientation
session with a mentor
and four three-day
retreats over the
course of one year.
The final day of the retreat had arrived and the
first order of business was to finish the remaining
project presentations from the previous day.
Presenter Jan Walker followed with the last
activity for the class and the moment they had
all been waiting for had arrived!
Graduation activities began with the welcoming
and introduction of guests by participants. MLLI
participant and Outreach & Instruction Librarian
and Assistant Professior at the University of
Mississippi Melissa Dennis gave the student
speech. Dennis gave an interesting, yet amusing
overview of the group’s activities and experiences
while in the Institute.
She thanked those responsible for turning the
idea of an institute into reality and shared class
statistics, as well as some comical incidents that
occured during the year.
Dennis stated in her conclusion, “We may leave
the institute today but we will not let the progress
we made get lost in the everyday shufle.”
Next, Dean of Libraries at Delta State
University Jef Slagell took the podium and
gave the keynote address. Slagell thanked the
Mississippi Library Commission for all of the
wonderful services and resources they ofer
all libraries across the state of Mississippi.
He used an exercise with Albert Einstein’s Theory
of Relativity, E=mc2,
to make a point
about relationships.
Slagell stated, “This
emphasizes the
critical importance
of relationships.
Over the course of
20 years of working
in libraries what I
have found to be
the most important,
empowering and
rewarding thing I’ve done is build relationships.”
Slagell also asked, “As this institute comes to a
close, what does this relationship mean to you?
What is the greateast thing you or one of the
greatest things you have gained in participating
in this institute?” Several participants responded
accordingly.
As he closed, he left the participants with these
parting words, “Graduates, your horizon is wide
open and I can’t wait to see the path that you
follow.”
The ceremony culminated with the presentation
of certificates to the next generation of library
leaders.
The Mississippi Library Leadership Institute
is made possible in part by a Laura Bush 21st
Century Librarian Program grant from the U.S.
Institute of Museum and Library Services to the
Mississippi Library Commission.
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE HOLDS FIRST GRADUATION
Pictured are the 2013 MLLI graduates.
Notes . . . from the desk of the Executive Director
March 2014
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a library as: “A place set apart to contain books for reading,
study, or reference” and “A building, room, or set of rooms containing a collection of books for the
use of the public or of some particular portion of it, or of the members of some society or the like;
a public institution or establishment, charged with the care of a collection of books, and the duty or
rendering the books accessible to those who require to use them.” The Oxford American Dictionary
similarly defines a library as: “1) a building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and
sometimes films and recorded music for people to read, borrow, or refer to; 1.1) a collection of books
and periodicals held in a library; 1.2) a collection of films, recorded music, genetic material, etc.,
organized systematically and kept for research or borrowing; 1.3) a series of books, recordings, etc.,
issued by the same company and similar in appearance; 1.4) a room in a private house where books
are kept; and 1.5) (also software library) Computing, a collection of programs and software packages
made generally available, often loaded and stored on disk for immediate use.” These definitions seem
a litle dated!
I find it very distressing that neither of these fine, respected reference books even mentions the
word “community” and barely references “people.” Today’s library is often the hub of the community
and filled with people. People from all walks of life are using libraries today – for a wide variety of
purposes. Certainly, they are using their library to check out books, but they are also coming into
libraries to search for jobs, assistance, and information. A person returning to the workforce may
need guidance in learning how to use a computer, preparing a résumé, and searching for a job;
parents and caregivers are bringing their children in for storytime and reading programs; students
of all ages are seeking literacy programs, and perhaps homework help; people are atending classes
and taking exams online. Library meeting rooms are in constant use; people are atending programs
and seminars hosted by professionals on a vast number of subjects. Many libraries take their services
out into the community. Day care centers and nursing homes often host a storytelling librarian. Quite
often the public computers in our libraries are the only way people in many communities have access
to computers, programs, and the internet. Public access computers, the internet, wireless access, and
now downloadable electronic books; the list goes on.
We must do a beter job of telling our story to our elected leaders about what all a “library” is today –
and all of the services available beyond ”checking out a book.” We know that a library is more than “a
place set apart to contain books” – today’s library is certainly that, but so much more to a wide variety
of people. Libraries may very well once have been simply “a place set apart to contain books” – but
that no longer applies; libraries have been, and continue to be, evolving to meet the needs of our
communities and the people they serve. Maybe our dictionaries need to evolve as well!
Susan
Susan S. Cassagne
Executive Director
Comments and suggestions are welcomed.
Contact us at:
Mississippi Library Commission
3881 Eastwood Drive
Jackson, MS 39211
Fax: 601.432.4486
E-mail: gloriajw@mlc.lib.ms.us
Visit our website at:
www.mlc.lib.ms.us
Toll free number 1.800.MISSLIB
Executive Director Board of Commissioners
Susan S. Cassagne Celia Fisher
Jolee Hussey
Editor Ann Marsh
Gloria J. Washington Pamela Pridgen
Glenda Segars
Susan S. Cassagne
Executive Director
The Packet Page 3
MLC HOLDS ANNUAL STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY
Each year the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) staff gathers in the agency’s meeting room for staff development day. This day in January is set aside to recognize employees’ longevity, welcome new staff and attend staff development programs.
Executive Director Susan Cassagne opened the day’s activities with a greeting to staff and a reading of upcoming MLC activities. Bureau directors gave their reports and staff service recognitions followed. Eleven staff members received certificates and service pins. A Certificate of Service from MLC was presented to Vera Coleman for five years of service. Karolynn Bell, Tracy Carr, Gina Dyess, and Casandra Noel completed 10 plus years. Staff recognized with 15 years of service were Robin Hedrick, Cindy Nugent, and Christy Williams; Connie Jones were recognized for 26 years. Veteran employees Martha Wright and Gloria J. Washington were acknowledged for 37 and 31 years of service respectively. Staff with 10 or more years of service received certificates from MLC and the Governor’s Office along with a service pin that signified the number of service years.
Staff development day activities concluded with lectures by Kathryn Rogers of MEA Cares and Mississippi Tort Claims Board & State Agencies Self-Insured Workers Compensation Trust, Risk Manager, Steve Milner.
Staff members recognized for five plus years of service are back row left to right: Tracy Carr and Gina Dyess; second row: Vera Coleman, Casandra Noel, Christy Williams and Robin Hedrick; first row (l) Cindy Nugent, Karolynn Bell, and Connie Jones. Not pictured are Martha Wright and Gloria J. Washington.
MURRAY RETIRES; ENDS 20 YEARS
OF SERVICE
Margaret Murray, Library Development’s Senior Consultant, decided to put down her mouse and turn off her computer for good at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC). Murray, a Ridgeland resident, gave 20 years of dedicated service to the agency before retiring January 2, 2014.
The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native came to MLC in February 1994 as head of Library Development. During that time, she, along with other library development staff, inplemented the Bill & Melinda Gates project where computers were placed in all public libraries. In addition, she was instrumental in reinstating MLC’s consulting services.
In the later 90’s, Murray began working with Friends of Mississippi Libraries, Inc. and the growth of the Friends chapters in the state increased from 50 to 100+ chapters. She also served on the Board of Friends of Libraries USA (FOLUSA) for six years.
Mississippi Library Commission Executive Director Susan S. Cassagne said, “As an assistant director, and then as library director, I had many occasions to discuss library services with Margaret. She was always knowledgeable and willing to offer assistance whenever I needed it. I did not have the opportunity to work directly with her at MLC; however, I am certain her dedication and contributions to library services in Mississippi will be missed by all. We thank Margaret for her time at MLC and wish her good luck.”
A retirement reception was held at MLC, Thursday, February 27, at 3 p.m. to honor Murray’s work and longevity. On hand to celebrate with Margaret were public libraries, staff, retired staff, state agencies, family and friends.
Margaret Murray will retire, close to family, at the Woodlands Retirement Community #181, in Huntington, West Virginia.
MurrayGENEALOGY PROGRAMMING AND THE PUBLIC
The three-member staff of the Local History and Genealogy Department/Biloxi Public Library/Harrison County Library System continues to provide amazing programs for the public as well as to maintain a reference collection for regional history and genealogy.
Over the past year, the department produced several programming events which both educated and entertained the public. In July, the department produced “Treasures in Grandma’s Attic,” which entertained the audience with surprise items from an old suitcase. The attic items were presented as puzzle pieces linking information from a family’s past. Examples included a family bible, prayer cards, photos with matching baby clothing, broken jewelry, old mailed postcards, newspapers, love letters, and even a 1960’s Beatles concert ticket stub.
In October, “Dearly Departed: The Mourning After” was presented. The presentation included displays and discussions on family research using obituaries, death records, cemetery records, and funeral home resources. As additional historical entertainment, a replica of Mrs. Jefferson Davis’ mourning dress, scrapbooks, and photographs was also displayed.
In addition to programming, assistance with research is also available for patrons. However, with over forty categories of items, most patrons are unaware of what’s available. Therefore, the display cases are changed regularly to showcase the collection.
The upcoming year looks promising for the new calendar of public programming. Staff is already preparing the next series of events which includes Family Fragments: Organizing Your Family History, a workshop presented by the Mississippi Coast Historical and Genealogical Society about family scrapbooking and display boards. The next event, “Aprons: Occupational Cover-up,” will display aprons from all walks of life matched with photos of the services they provide and how the every day routines of their lives shaped Coast history.
LAGNIAPPE - A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA
OPENS AT LIBRARY COMMISSION
“Lagniappe–A Little Something Extra,” an exhibit of watercolor and oil paintings by artist Susan Wellington along with a collection of handcrafted jewelry by artisans Jackie Messer, Martha Scarborough and Laura Tarbutton of The Beach House Studio is set to open in the gallery of the Mississippi Library Commission Tuesday, March 4, and will continue through Wednesday, April 30, 2014. An opening reception is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mississippi Library Commission.
Wellington, born in Sasebo, Japan, has since been a lifelong resident of Mississippi where she received her bachelor’s degree in Education, with a concentration in Art, from Mississippi College. She travels frequently to study under the direction of master artists Roger Dale Brown, Kim English, and Joe Anna Arnett. Mentor and teacher in oil, Bob Tompkins and Laurel Schoolar, teacher in watercolor have helped develop her technique and confidence.
She paints from life, relying on scenes from her travels and Mississippi home for inspiration and subject material. Always looking for ways to show the observer the unique essence and subtle colors that each subject contains, she strives to represent the subject material in ways that evoke an emotional response for the viewer. Her art can be a pathway to both feelings and memories.
Wellington is a member of Women Painters of the Southeast, Mississippi Oil Painters Association, Plein Air Artists of Mississippi, Artists’ Guild of Mississippi, and the Mississippi Watercolor Society.
The Beach House Studio is a cooperative of jewelry artisans who work in various mediums. It began as friends sharing tools, knowledge and ideas and has evolved into a studio full of beautiful, collaborative jewelry. Each artisan brings her own style and expertise to create “one-of-a-kind” jewelry. Items by Scarborough, Tarbutton and Messer will be on display and available for purchase during the two-month exhibit.
The Packet Page 4
Shown are the two authentic tombstones the public used to practice tombstonb rubbings.RECYCLED LIGHTS BENEFIT LIBRARY
This holiday season, the Judge Armstrong Library tried something new, raising funds by collecting and recycling burned out or unwanted Christmas lights. You may ask, “How does that raise money?” Well, it turns out Christmas light strings contain a lot of copper, and scrap metal companies pay premium prices for them. Staff worked with the local Green Alliance since recycling began in Natchez; however, it was later discovered that the local salvage metal company paid more per pound for Christmas lights than almost anything else.
Before Thanksgiving, a promotion was launched through the library’s website and social media. The Green Alliance used some advertising grant money to purchase display ads in the local newspaper. All of which helped get the word out about the fundraiser for the library. It was challenging explaining to the public what the library staff would do with the lights and how recycling them would benefit the library.
The Natchez Democrat ran an article about the project, and it was picked up by USA Today’s State by State page.
Word spread quickly and the response was very encouraging. A large roll-around recycling can was set up in the front foyer. The can was filled five times! Jim Smith from Concordia Metal in Vidalia, Louisiana picked up the full cans and brought back an envelope of cash the same day!
As the holiday season progressed and people began taking lights down, donations rose again. The cut off deadline for accepting dontions had to be extended from January 10 to January 31 and they were received right up to the last day! The final total was $507, which will be used for new children’s books.
Assistant Director of the Judge Armstrong Library Anne White said, “Recycling Christmas lights help keep them out of landfills. This project was such a success, I am certain we will do it again next holiday season, and now that the word is out, I believe it will be even more successful!”
The Packet Page 5
TEEN ZONE OPENS AT WAYNESBORO LIBRARY
The new Teen Zone at the Waynesboro-Wayne County Library is open for business. Students from Jill O’Dom’s Family Dynamics Class at the Wayne County Career and Technical Education Center stopped to “test drive” the new elements at the facility. Those elements include a Wii U, XBox One, Playstation 4, pod seats, swivel chairs, swoop chairs, tractor seats and a custom-built gaming station. Bookshelves full of books for teens are set around the center. A combination of an LSTA grant, one major donation from a library patron, and other combined donations helped to complete the project that took about a year and cost nearly $15,000, according to Library Director Patsy Brewer.
Patrons can sign out controllers and accessories at the front desk, much like a library book, and return them once they are finished playing. Checkers and other games are also available to keep teens entertainined. A television with cable channels available for viewing is another feature of the center. “Hopefully, this will attract middle school and high school students to the library,” Brewer said. “We have programs for children, pre-schoolers, elementary students and adults. We were missing a chance to reach out to the middle school and high school age groups. This will allow us to offer something for them and hopefully expose them to what the library has to offer.”
The PSA, Xbox One, Wii U, cable TV and a huge gumball machine are part of the new furniture/gaming station, all of which is located in the middle of the young adult books.
Pictured with Christmas lights to be recycled are Judge Armstrong Library Assistant Director Anne White and Concordia Metal Representative Jim Smith. Mississippi Library Commission
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CALENDAR
MARCH 2014
Artists – Susan Wellington; Beach House Studio
6 Workshop – Youth Services Training/SLP – Hernando
10 Workshop – Tech Academy – MLC
12 Workshop – Youth Services Training/SLP – Picayune
14 Workshop – Youth Services Training/SLP – Clinton
18-19 MLC Capitol Exhibit – State Capitol – Jackson
25 Board of Commissioners Meeting – MLC
APRIL 2014
Artists – Susan Wellington; Beach House Studio
2-4 Workshop – Leadership Institute Retreat #1 - Ridgeland
13-19 National Library Week
28 Confederate Memorial Day – State Holiday – Agency Closed
MAY 2014
Artist – Bill Wilson
5-6 National Library Legislative Day - Washington, DC
13 Town Hall Meeting – Laurel
14 Town Hall Meeting – MLC
15 Town Hall Meeting – Tupelo
20 Board of Commissioners Meeting – MLC
26 Memorial Day – State Holiday – Agency Closed
Best Wishes . . .
The Library Commission extends best wishes to the following staff member who recently left the agency: Antoinette Branson.
MLC NEWS